Joe Turnham
Biography
Joe Turnham is serving his third stint over a 13 year period as Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party. Joe has led a successful rebuilding of the party's image and infrastructure culminating with hugely successful elections wins in 2006. Democrats in Alabama have built on their successful domination of county courthouse politics and successfully defended their super majority in the Alabama Legislature in all while winning 5 statewide races in 2006. Joe's leadership has helped democrats win 5 of 6 special elections for State House races in the last 36 months.
Joe has served his local community and church in a variety of leadership roles over his 25 years of professional service. From lay missions to numerous board memberships, Joe has been an integral part of dozens of organizations over two decades. Joe was a founding director of the state's environmental lobby, Alabama League of Environmental Action Voters. Today that organization is known as Conservation Alabama.
Joe was the Democratic Nominee for the United States Congress in 1998 and 2002. Making his first ever run for public office in 1998 against popular incumbent Republican Congressman Bob Riley, Joe garnered a surprising 42% of the votes and in 2002 garnered 48.5% in one of America's closet races. Joe is a frequent guest columnist and on-air political commentator for state and national television programs including Fox and NBC's WSFA.
After working 18 years in a family business, Joe embarked on a successful venture as an organizational strategist and consultant. Joe's efforts have assisted a number of organizations, including humanitarian and environmental non-profits as well as Fortune 500 companies, build and expand their markets. Joe has traveled internationally on both business and humanitarian efforts to India, Africa and South America.
Joe has been married to his wife, Paula, for 19 years and they have two children, Abby 18 and Pete Matthew 12. Joe's father, ret. State Rep. Pete Turnham, was a beloved 40 year Member of the Alabama House. Joe is a member of the First Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama and is a substitute Sunday School Teacher. Joe enjoys reading, writing, long walks and helping others in need.
